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Buying a Suit 

for Jimmy 



Anne M. Palmer 




Successful Rural Plays 

A Strong List From Which to Select Your 
Next Play 

FARM FOLKS. A Rural Play in Four Acts, by Arthur 
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Dave Weston, who wants Flora himself, helps the deception by 
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HOME TIES. A Rural Play in Four Acts, by Arthur 
Lewis Tubes. Characters, four male, five female. Plays two 
hours and a half. Scene, a simple interior — same for all four 
acts. Costumes, modern. One of the strongest plays Mr. Tubbs 
has written. Martin Winn's wife left him when his daughter 
Ruth was a baby. Harold Vincent, the nephew and adopted son 
of the man who has wronged Martin, makes love to Ruth Winn. 
She is also loved by Len Everett, a prosperous young farmer. 
When Martin discovers who Harold is, he orders him to leave 
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he comes back, and Ruth finds her happiness. Price 25 cents. 

THE OLD NEW HAMPSHIRE HOME. A New 

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in humor. Easy to act and very efifective. A rural drama of 
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everybody vmderstands and likes. Price, 25 cents. 

THE OLD DAIRY HOMESTEAD. A Rural Comedy 
in Three Acts, by Frank Dumont. For five males and four 
females. Time, two hours. Rural costumes. Scenes rural ex- 
terior and interior. An adventurer obtains a large sum of money 
from a farm house through the intimidation of the farmer's 
niece, whose husband he claims to be. Her escapes from the 
wiles of the villain and his fem.ale accomplice are both starting 
and novel. Price, 15 cents. 

A WHITE MOUNTAIN BOY. A Strong Melodrama in 
Five Acts, by Charles Townsend. For seven males and four 
females, and three supers. Time, two hours and twenty minutes. 
One exterior, three interiors. Costumes easy. The hero, a 
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15 cents. 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA 



Buying a Suit for 
Jimmy 

A Comedy in One Act 



By 
ANNE M. PALMER 




PHILADELPHIA 
THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

1918 



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Copyright 1918 by The Penn Publishing Company 



APR 2 1918 
0CI.O 49247 

Buying a Suit for Jimmy 

"^"^ ' THP96-007479 



Buying a Suit For Jimmy 



Mrs. Goodwin 
Jimmy 
Clerk - 
Mrs. Mason 
Jane 

Miss Randolph 
Mrs. Duncan 
Alice Duncan 
Bertie - 



CHARACTERS 

mother of J'uniny 
a spoiled boy, always in mischief 

- a meek-looking young man 
afrietid of Mrs. Goodzvin 

- - - her small daughter 

Jiminf s Sunday-school teacher 

- a friend of Mrs. Goodwin 

- her young- lady daughter 
her son 



Time of Playing. — Half an hour. 



STORY OF THE PLAY 

Mrs. Goodwin brings her son, Jimmy, to a clothing 
store and is attempting to buy him a new suit. " I 
don't want no new clothes. I want to play ball "with 
the kids ! " The clerk becomes utterly exhausted. 
During their stay in the store various characters come 
in. Jimmy and Bertie start to fight. " I didn't start 
it ! " Jimmy wants a blue suit with brass buttons. 
" Well, you can't have it ! " Jimmy is quite satisfied 
when the clerk discovers they have no blue suit 
in Jimmy's size and his mother refuses to buy any. " I 
have spent the entire afternoon here, and no suit 
bought yet ! "* 



COSTUMES, ETC. 

Mrs. Goodwin. A woman of about thirty-five. 
Wears street suit and hat on entrance. Carries hand- 
bag. 

Jimmy. About ten. Wears gray suit and cap. The 
part may be taken by an older person, if not too tall. 

Clerk. About twenty-live. Street suit. 

Mrs. Mason. A woman about thirty-four. Rather 
gaudily dressed in street suit, and over-trimmed hat. 

Jane. A self-assertive youngster of eleven. Wears 
hat and coat on entrance. 

Miss Randolph. A nice looking girl of about 
twenty-one. Wears sensible hat and walking-suit. 

Mrs. Duncan. A well-dressed woman of forty. 
Wears black street suit and black hat. 

Alice. About nineteen. She also is dressed quietly, 
in good taste, in a dark suit and hat. 

Bertie. A boy about ten. Wears dark suit and 
cap. 



PROPERTIES 



A package for Clerk. 

A pile of wooden or paper boxes, and a pile of hats 
on table, for Jimmy to knock over. 



SCENE PLOT 




There is only one scene, and this represents the in- 
terior of a clothing store. The arrangements may be 
as simple or as elaborate as desired. On a long 
counter, R., are piles of clothing, ties, etc. Up l. c. 
there is a door marked " Private." Up R.,a table piled 
with hats, and up c. is a large pile of boxes. The 
effectiveness of the play is greatly enhanced by the 
realistic appearance of the scenery, and posters, adver- 
tisements, etc., should be hung on the walls while 
necktie racks, collar boxes, etc., may be on the counter. 
Local storekeepers may furnish goods in return for a 
notice on the program. 



Buying a Suit for Jimmy 



SCENE. — A clothing store. 

(Discovered: Clerk behind counter, r., arranging 
piles of clothing on counter. Enter Mrs. Goodwin 
and Jimmy, up l., the latter dragging along unwill- 
ingly. They come dozvn r. to counter.) 

Clerk {behind counter with ingratiating manner). 
Good-day, Madam ! Pleasant day, is it not ? Hello, 
sonny ! 

(Reaches over the counter and attempts to chuck 
Jimmy under the chin.) 

Jimmy (stepping back c. and hitting away Clerk's 
hand). Leave me alone! My name ain't " Sonny" ! 

Mrs. Goodwin (down r., looking at Jimmy re- 
proachfidly) . Why, Jimmy! How very rude! 
(Turns to Clerk apologetically.) I never knew him 
to be impolite before ! I can't think why he acts so. 
He has been sullen and ill-tempered ever since we left 
home, and I presume it is because he dislikes shopping. 
He is usually a very pleasant boy. 

Clerk (smiling). He meant no harm, I'm sure. 
And now. Madam, what can I do for you? 

(Jimmy starts on tiptoe for door up l.) 

Mrs. Goodwin. I wish to look at a suit for — — 
(Turns to find Jimmy gone.) Jimmy, where are 
you? (Jimmy is about to make his escape.) Come 
back here ! (She dashes after him, up l., grabs him 

7 



8 BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY 

hy the arm and leads him back r. ) What do you mean 
by trying to run away? 

Jimmy (r. c, squirminy). Ouch! You're pinch- 
ing my arm ! Let go of me ! I don't want no new 
clothes ! I want to go play ball with the kids ! 

Mrs. Good w^iN {r., dragging him after her). Come 
along this instant ! I am heartily ashamed of you ! 
As for playing with the boys — I sometimes think you 
would behave better if you never played with them ! 
Play ball, indeed ! That's all I hear from you the live- 
long day ! 

Jimmy {whining). Well, I'm — I'm — pitcher, and 
they can't play without me, and — and — it'll spoil the 
whole game ! 

Mrs. Goodwin {relentlessly). It'll have to be 
spoiled, then ! But I guess they'll manage to get along 
without you. They'll have to this afternoon, at any 
rate. You must have some new clothes, and Saturday 
is the only time we have for buying them. You need 
them badly. Why, you look positively disreputable ! 
{Begins talking coaxingly.) Now, Jimmy, you know 
you want to look nice and neat. And this is to be such 
a splendid suit, too ! You can't help but like it ! Any 
boy would be glad to have a suit w^ith pockets and 
pockets and pockets in it, wouldn't he ? And this is to 
have a great many ! 

Jimmy (c, brightening up a trifle). How many? 

Mrs. Goodwin (r. c, impatiently) . How should I 
know exactly how many pockets there are in a boy's 
suit? There will be plenty! You really shouldn't 
have any, I suppose, the way yours are always filled 
with rubbish ! 

{Walks R. to counter and examines suits.) 

Clerk {trying to make the situation more pleasant). 
Oh, boys must have pockets ! You wish to buy a suit 
for him, Madam? How old is he? 

Jimmy {interrupting). Will there be as many as 
Pete Jones has? 

Mrs. Goodwin {turning abstractedly from examin- 
ing sitits on the counter). As many what? 



BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY 9 

Jimmy. Pockets ! 

Mrs. Goodwin (in exasperated tones). Pockets! 
Are you still harping on that? What on earth do I 
know about the Jones boy's pockets? Don't let me 
even hear the word pocket again or Pll buy you a suit 
without a single one in it ! 

Jimmy (c, muttering in low tones). You can't 
find one ! 

Mrs. Goodwin (grasping his arm). What's that 
you're saying? (Jimmy maintains a discreet silence.) 
Don't yoti dare to be impudent to me ! (Drops his 
arm and turns to Clerk.) He is eleven years old, but 
small for his age, so perhaps 

Jimmy (interrupting sullenly). I ain't goin' to 
have no little ten-year-old suit, so I ain't ! Pm always 
getting things too small for me ! And Pm as big as 
any boy of my age, too ! I won't wear it, so I won't ! 

Mrs. Goodwin (giving him a slight shake). Hush, 
Jimmy ! Don't talk to me like that ! You will wear 
exactly what I choose to buy for you ! You are a 
naughty boy and very hard to please. Most boys 
would be glad of your chance to have nice, new clothes, 

Jimmy (sullenly, walking down r. to counter). 
Let 'em, then ! Why don't you buy suits for the kids 
that want 'em, instead of for me, and let me go play 
ball? . 

Mrs. Goodwin (in aggrieved tones). For shame, 
Jimmy ! You are an ungrateful boy ! (He stands 
scratching against the counter with his foot.) Don't 
dig your foot against the counter ! Can't you see you 
are taking off all the paint? 

(Jimmy desists and stands down r., sullenly.) 

Clerk (patiently). What sort of a suit do you 
wish to look at, Madam? Here are some splendid 
bargains at $9.98 — regular $12.50 suits that we are 
putting on sale to-day. 

Mrs. Goodwin (r., at counter). Perhaps one of 
them will do. I want something suitable for school. 
His clothes must be of a color that won't show dirt 
easily. And they must be strong! I never knew any- 
thing to wear out as fast as his trousers do ! He's had 



10 BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY 

that suit only a short time and just look at it ! It isn't 

fit to be seen! I want something (Jimmy tries 

to hide at end of counter.) Jimmy ! Stay where you 

are! {To Clerk.) Something that will wear 

{Turns to find Jimmy sneaking behind counter.) 
Come out from behind that counter! What on earth 
possesses you? What do you mean by prowling into 
such places? You know you are not allowed to go 
there ! 

(Jimmy comes out reluctantly.) 

Clerk. You want a good, practical, every-day suit, 
I presume- Something rather heavy? 

Mrs. Goodwin. Yes ; something with a double seat 

and double {Turns to see Jimmy pulling and 

haiding at a pile of suits farther down the counter.) 
Jimmy ! Stop pulling over all those clothes ! They 
are men's sizes and nothing you will want ! 

(Jimmy stops.) 

Clerk {zvearily rearranging the pile). Have you 
any preference as to color? {Looks over pile of boys' 
suits on counter.) How about this brown mixture? 
{Holds up a brown suit.) It is very popular just at 
present. 

Mrs. Goodwin {emphatically) . It may be popular, 
but it would never do for Jimmy ! Nothing in brown 
for him ! You see, he has freckles, and brown is so 
unbecoming! Let me see something in gray 

Jimmy {down r., interrupting). There! I knew 
you'd say that! I always have gray! I don't want 
it! Let me have a blue suit this time — please! 
{Pleadingly.) One with brass buttons on it! 

Mrs. Goodwin (r., in front of counter, speaking in 
disgusted tones). Oh, Jimmy! How ridiculous you 
are ! Who ever heard of a boy wearing a suit with 
brass buttons! You'd be the laughing-stock of the 
whole school ! 

Jimmy {doggedly). I don't care if I w^ould! 
That's what I want, anyway! And I'd just like to see 
'em dare to laugh at me ! 



BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY II 

(CIe7tches fists and feels muscle.) 

Mrs. Goodwin (decidedly). Well, you can't have 
it! People would think me crazy if I sent you to 
school decked out like that ! 

Jimmy (hopefully, coining down r.). Can I have 
the blue suit without the brass buttons then ? 

Mrs. Goodwin (impatiently) . How persistent you 
are ! There's nothing as bad as a blue suit for show- 
ing every particle of dust and dirt, and goodness 
knows! your clothes look disreputable enough as it 
is ! No, — it must be gray and there is no use in your 
sulking over it ! (Picks up a gray suit from counter.) 
This seems to be about what I want. 

{Brings it down r., followed by Clerk.) 

Clerk. It is an exceptionally good suit ; one of the 
best we have. 

Jimmy (grabbing at it). Is there a pocket in the 
back of the pants ? 

Mrs. Goodwin (pidling it away from him). Yes, 
there is ! Do be quiet, Jimmy ! You annoy me when 
you ask so many questions. (She examines the suit 
care f idly while Jimmy sidks at one side.) I wonder 
if it's all wool? 

Clerk (emphatically). Yes, Madam, it is! 

(Jimmy begins to slide across l.) 

Mrs. Goodwin (looking at it more closely). 

There's a thread here that looks like Jimmy, 

stop that scraping noise this instant! I never saw 
your beat ! Now you come right here by me, sir, and 
don't you budge! (Jimmy comes slozvly down r. to 
Mrs. Goodwin.) If you do, I shall certainly punish 
you! I should think you would be a little interested 
in this suit I am buying for you. (Holds up the coat.) 
How do you like this? 

(Attempts to speak with great enthusiasm.) 

Jimmy (r. c, sidlenly). Don't like it at all! I 



12 BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY 

told you I didn't want no old gray suit ! I don't want 
any suit ! 

Mrs. Goodwin. You ought to be ashamed of your- 
self ! You don't deserve a thing in the way of new 
clothes ! 

Jimmy (wrathfully and almost yelling). Well, I 
ain't asking for 'em, am I ? 

Mrs. Goodwin (shaking him soundly). Be quiet! 
Not another word! (Turns to Clerk.) If there is 
one thing I dread it is trying to buy a suit for that 
boy ! 

Clerk (sympathetically). He does seem hard to 
satisfy — he surely does ! 

(Jimmy goes up r. to door marked ''Private'*, and at- 
tempts to open it.) 

Mrs. Goodwin (indignantly) . I dare say he's no 
worse than other boys. 

Clerk (hastily). Oh, no! No, indeed! I only 
meant 

Mrs. Goodwin (interrupting) . Now, where has 
he gone? (Jimmy hastily tiptoes across stage R. 
and stands just behind Mrs. Goodwin.) Jimmy, 
where 

Jimmy (just behind her, speaking so loudly that 
she starts with alarm). What is it, ma? 

Mrs. Goodwin (angrily). Don't yell so! (Pulls 
him around beside her. Jimmy grins maliciously.) 
Do you think I'm deaf? And don't yoii move from 
my side again ! Where were you ? 

Jimmy (r. c, pointing toward door). I was trying 
to get in that door. I wanted to see why it is 
''Private." 

Mrs. Goodwin. The man in there will *' private " 
you if you don't watch out! Stand still and let me 
try this coat on you. (She puts it on him and goes 
up R. to note the effect. Jimmy fidgets from one foot 
to the other.) Stand still, Jimmy! I want to see if 
it is the right size. That looks well, I think. 

(Comes dozvn r. to Jimmy.) 



BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY I3 

Clerk (down r., at end of counter, rubbing hands 
together in a pleased zvay). It fits splendidly. 

Mrs. Goodwin. Turn around, Jimmy. {He spins 
about in circles.) Stop that foolishness! (He stops 
so suddenly that she almost falls in trying to catch 
hold of him.) Turn around! {She pidls at back of 
coat.) It seems to draw across the shoulders. I be- 
lieve it is too small. 

(Takes it off and Jimmy slips away up c, where he 
opens the boxes piled there and looks inside them.) 

Clerk (obligingly but wearily). We might try a 
larger size though I doubt if he can wear it. This may 
have been a trifle tight. 

(He puts it back on the pile, where it becomes hidden 
as they search for a larger size and finally locate 
one.) 

Mrs. Goodwin (looking it over carefidly). This 
seems immense ! Are you sure it is the next size ? 
Jimmy can never wear it ! After all, I think we had 
better try the smaller size again. (Clerk resignedly 
hunts it oiit. ) Try this on, Jimmy ! Where is he ? 
(She rushes to door l., carrying coat.) Jimmy ! (She 
sees him up c.) Oh, there you are! What are you 
doing? (Goes to him up c. ) 

Jimmy. I was seeing what was in all those boxes. 

Mrs. GooDwaN (severely). Haven't I told you 
never to meddle with things that don't belong to you ? 
You know very well you have no right to come into 
this store and tamper with everything you see ! Now 
do come here and try on this coat. 

(Drags him down r. c.) 

Jimmy (down r. c, petidantly) . I tried it on once ! 
Ain't that enough ? 

Mrs. Goodwin (r. c, jerking and pidling him into 
the coat while he tzvists and squirms). No, it Isn't! 
Stand still ! You're a regular eel ! 



14 BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY 

Jimmy. I wish I was one! Eels don't have to 
wear clothes! Why do you jerk me around so? 

Mrs. Goodwin. Because you won't be quiet! 
How can I tell if it tits with you squirming about like 
that? (Pulls it this way and that.) There! That 
seems all right! Does it feel comfortable? 

Jimmy (hitching in it). I don't know if it does 
or not. I like my old coat lots better. 

Clerk. I should say that is a splendid fit. 

(Rubs hands together in satisfaction at having suited 

her at last.) 

Mrs. Goodwin. Stand off a little and let me see 
how it looks. (Jimmy walks to the table up r. and 
begins to examine a pile of hats zvith the residt that 
they fall to the floor. Clerk hurries to the rescue. 
Mrs. Goodwin rushes to Jimmy, and haids him 
down L.) Now see what you've done! After this I 
want you to let things alone! (Crosses to Clerk as 
he returns down r. ) I think it is unnecessary to have 
so many things piled loosely where the slightest touch 
makes them tumble. (Jimmy crosses down r. to her. 
Examines coat again.) Well, I actually believe this 
suit is just what I want. (Turns around as door up 
l. opens.) Oh, my goodness! Here come Mrs. 
Mason and Jane ! I declare, I always meet that 
woman when I have my oldest clothes on ! Dear me ! 
Smooth your hair, Jimmy ! It looks as though it 
hadn't been combed for a week! (As she turns to 
greet Mrs. Mason and Jane, who enter up l., Jimmy 
runs his fingers through his hair, causing it to stand 
on end.) Why, my dear Mrs. Mason! (Effusively.) 
How are you ? Fancy seeing you to-day ! 

(Jane goes up c.) 

Mrs. Mason (coming dozmt l. c, speaking in a 
very affected manner). I am trying to find a suitable 
tie for Mr. Mason. I always select his ties. He has 
such poor taste ! 

Mrs. Goodwin (c). I am buying a suit for 



BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY I5 

Jimmy, and it surely is a task. I think we have been 
here for hours! (Clerk nods head emphatically.) 
You know what boys are when it comes to shopping! 

(Jimmy, who is down r., slips off coat and deposits it 

on counter.) 

Mrs. Mason. Indeed I do ! And girls as well, 
though I must say that Jane is usually a well-behaved 
child. 

{As they talk Jimmy winks an eye at Jane and he and 
Jane slip out the door up l.) 

Mrs. Goodwin, Jimmy minds very well, too, but 
he does so hate to try on clothes. 

(Noise of dog howling just outside the door.) 

Mrs. Mason (c, excitedly). Oh, mercy! I hope 
no one is hurting my dear little Fido ! I left him out- 
side! 

Mrs. Goodwin (r. c). Jimmy, run and see what 

is the matter with {Turns to find him gone.) 

He surely hasn't gone out on the street without per- 
mission ! 

Mrs. Mason. And where is Jane? 

{Both move toward door up l.) 

Mrs. Goodwin {calling loudly). Jimmy, what is 
being done to that dog? {Turns to Mrs. Mason.) 
I'm quite sure he is not harming it. He is full of mis- 
chief, but he is never mean. {Enter children, up l.) 
What was the matter with that dog? 

(Mrs. Goodwin takes Jimmy's arm and leads him 

down L. ) 

Jimmy. Somebody pulled his tail. 
Jane {up c, pointing finger at him). Yes! 
Somebody ! 



l6 BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY 

(Mrs. Mason goes up c, taking Jane with her.) 

Jimmy (down l., angrily). You needn't point your 
old linger at me ! I'd like to know if you weren't do- 
ing just as much ! Tattle- tale ! 

Mrs. Goodwin (dozvnu, horrified). Jimmy! That 
will do! Never talk that way again! (Then sorrow- 
fidly.) Jimmy, you surely were not teasing a poor 
helpless little dog! {Goes up c. to Mrs. Mason. 
Jane comes down l. to Jimmy.) I simply can't be- 
lieve it of him. Why, he loves animals so ! And, as 
I said before, he may be mischievous but he is never 
mean! He doesn't dream of doing such things when 
he is alone ! 

Mrs.- Mason (iip c, haughtily). Do you mean to 
infer that Jane was the cause of it? Why, the child 
simply worships Fido ! {Turns suddenly and catches 
children grinning.) What do you mean, Jane, by 
laughing behind my back? 

Jane (dozun l. c, pointing at Jimmy). He made 
me! 

Jimmy {down l., hotly). I did not! 

Jane {nodding head tantalizingly) . Yes, you did! 

Jimmy {fairly shouting). I did not, I tell you ! If 
you were a fellow I'd punch the stuffing out of you ! 

(Jane goes up c. to Mrs. Mason.) 

Mrs. Goodwin {rushing dozvn l. and grasping him 
by the arm in horror). Jimmy Goodwin! I never 
heard such talk! Aren't you ashamed of yourself! 
And to a little girl, too ! {He attempts to speak and 
she shakes him. ) Not another word ! You've said 
entirely too much already! {To Mrs. Mason.) I 
am sorry, Mrs. Mason, if Jimmy has been teasing 
your dog. He will not do it again, you may be sure. 
I cannot understand the affair at all. I think the boy 
hasn't been well lately. Perhaps that accounts for it. 

Mrs. Mason (up c). Perhaps he isn't well! My 
John says he eats so many green apples in school. 
That may be what ails him. 

Mrs. Goodwin {down l., appalled). Eats green 



BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY l^ 

apples! {To Jimmy.) Jimmy! What does this 
mean? I am certain, Mrs. Mason {speaking haugh- 
tily), that you must be mistaken. Jimmy, do you eat 
green apples in school? 

Jimmy {down i.. c, doggedly). No, I don't! It's 
John Mason himself that eats them ! 

Mrs. Goodwin {triumphantly) . I knew my boy 
wouldn't do such a thing ! He knows they would hurt 
him, don't you, dear? 

Jimmy. Sure, I do!, 

Mrs. Mason {coming down c, indignantly). My 
John told me all about it, and I would as soon believe 
him as your Jimmy. {To Jimmy.) What were you 
whipped for yesterday ? 

Mrs. Goodwin {astounded). Did the teacher whip 

you ? 

Jimmy. Aw! Not very hard! I didn't mmd! 

Jane {up l. c). You yelled loud enough! She 
whipped you for eating green apples and throwing the 
cores at Sally Perkins — you know she did ! 

Jimmy {muttering). Gee! I'll fix you for that! 
Just you wait ! 

Mrs. Goodwin {indignantly). I certainly shall 
see the teacher and inquire into this. I am certain 
Jimmy is not the only one who ate green apples, and I 
think it is a shame that my poor child should be pun- 
ished for what other children do! He is not a bad 
boy and I know he didn't deserve a whipping ! 

Mrs. Mason {superciliously). Children are not 
usually punished by a teacher for nothing! {Walks 
r. to counter; to Clerk.) May I be waited on? I 
can't stand here all day! Have you anything in a 
purple tie with small green polka dots ? 

Clerk. I think not. We have the plain purple, 

but not . 7, N 

Mrs. Mason {interrupting emphatically). 1 want 
something with polka dots or nothing at all. It seems 
to me that any up-to-date store would keep more of 
an assortment on hand. Come, Jane. 

{They exeunt up l.) 



l8 BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY 

Mrs. Goodwin {down c). Just imagine tliat red- 
headed Mr. Mason in a purple tie! Such awful taste 
as that woman has ! {Turns to Jimmy.) Why didn't 
you come home and tell me of the trouble you had at 
school ? 

Jimmy (l. c, sullenly). Didn't want to! 

Mrs. Goodwin {decidedly). I shall look into the 
matter Monday morning. There is no use in talking 
about it now, and we must get the suit bought. 
{Crosses r. to counter.) I should have had it by this 
time if that woman hadn't interrupted. {Picks up 
coat.) You'll have to try this on again, Jimmy. 
(Jimmy sidlenly slouches across stage to Mrs. Good- 
win.) There was something about it that didn't quite 
please me. 

Clerk {patiently, zuhile Jimmy savagely thrusts an 
arm into either sleeve). I think you will find this suit 
very satisfactory. It is one of our best sellers. 

Mrs. Goodwin {down r., turning Jimmy this zvay 
and that). It is a good-looking suit for the money, 
and I believe I'll take it. I don't really care for gray, 
though. He has had so much gray! {As she stands 
looking at it thoughtfully a voice is heard off l. and 
Jimmy suddenly darts behind the counter at the end 
nearest audience. Mrs. Goodwin follows, drags him 
out and pidls him down r. c.) What on earth is the 
matter with you? You act scared to death! {He 
looks apprehensively toward the door up l. and his 
mother, follozving his gaze, sees Miss Randolph 
entering.) Well, Jimmy Goodwin! Why should you 
try to hide from your Sunday-school teacher? You 
act afraid of her! 

Miss Randolph {pleasantly, coming down c). 
Good-afternoon,. Mrs. Goodwin. Good-afternoon, 
Jimmy. 

Jimmy {down "r., muttering). 'Afternoon! 

Mrs. Goodwin (r. c, effusively). I'm real glad to 
see you, Miss Randolph, and so is Jimmy. He is so 
fond of vou. How are you? 

Miss Randolph. I'm very well, thank you. 
{Turns to Clerk.) Pardon me for interrupting when 



BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY K) 

you are waiting on a customer, but I think I left a 
package here yesterday. It contained some collars 
for my father. . 

Clerk. I think it was found. I'll mquire about it. 

(Goes up R. behind counter and exits into room marked 
''Private/' up l.) 

Miss Randolph {down c). I'm glad to have this 
opportunity to talk to you, Mrs. Goodwin. Jimmy has 

Mrs. Goodwin (r. c, interrupting stiffly). I hope , 
you have no complaint to make about him. He s such 
a good boy at home. 

(JiAiMY, down R., makes faces.) 

Miss Randolph. He is very annoying at Sunday- 
school Last Sunday he came with his pockets frill ot 
peas and a pea-shooter hidden under his coat. He sat 
and shot them all over the room every time my back 
was turned. I took away all I could get. I thought 
vou ought to know about his sneaking the peas. 

Mrs Goodwin (coldly). There was nothing sneak- 
ing about it. The one thing Jimmy never does is to 
deceive me. He asked me for a few dried peas and 1 
gave them to him. He said he would only shoot them 
on the way. I've told him often that he must be a 
good boy in Sunday-school, and I'm sure he tries to 
be I'm very sorry he gives you so much trouble, 
Miss Randolph. Perhaps he had better go into Mr. 

Davis's class again. t ^ 'f 

Miss Randolph (somewhat severely), i aon t 
believe Mr. Davis would take him back. He com- 
plained of him before until the superintendent thought 
best to place him in my class. ^ 11,.. 

Mrs. Goodwin (angrily). Mr. Davis had better 
look to his own children, for they are none too good 
I o-uess It seems to me that the Sunday-school can t 
be%ery well managed. Jimmy has been attending 
there for over five years, and I should think by this 



20 BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY 

time he ought to have learned how to behave if his 
teachers had done their duty. 

Miss Randolph (tearfully) . I'm very sorry you 
think I don't do my duty by my scholars. I try my 
best to make good boys of them, but it is impossible to 
do anything with some of them. 

Mrs. Goodwin (condescendingly). I presume you 
do your best. 

(Enter Clerk from door up l. ) 

Clerk (coming down c). Here is your package, 
Miss Randolph. 

Miss Randolph. Thank you. (She takes pack- 
age. Clerk goes up r. and back of counter. Miss 
Randolph turns to go, then looks hack at Mrs. Good- 
win.) Oh, I meant to ask you if Jimmy can be made 
to learn his verses. 

Mrs. Goodwin (in surprise).. Why, I always tell 
him — every Sunday morning — to sit down and study 
them. You know I do, Jimmy ! 

Jimmy (down r., scowling). I can't learn 'em! I 
hate verses ! 

Mrs. Goodwin (r. c, astounded). Jimmy Good- 
win ! 

Miss Randolph (c). Perhaps if you could hear 
him say them it would help. They are hard, some- 
times, to learn without assistance. 

Mrs. Goodwin (plaintively). I can't promise to 
do it, Miss Randolph. I'm very busy Sunday morn- 
mgs. But I'll remind Jimmy. 

Miss Randolph (walking up l.). He needs more 
than reminding. 

(Exits, up L.) 

Mrs. Goodwin (to Clerk). No wonder children 
dislike Sunday-school. I have to fairly drive Jimmy 
to make him go ! No one wants to be picked at and 
lectured continually. (Sighs.) Dear me! All these 
interruptions, and the suit not yet bought. 



BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY 21 

Jimmy (ptdling at her skirt). I'm getting hungry, 
ma ! Let's go home ! 

Mrs. Goodwin. Not till we decide about this suit. ' 
I've spent one entire afternoon at it and I'll not put 
in another. Let us have another look at the coat. 
(Jimmy still has it on.) Turn around, child, and let 
me see how the sleeves set. {Enter, up l., Mrs. 
Duncan, Alice and Bertie. Mrs. Goodwin goes up 
L. and greets them effusively while Jimmy disappears 
behind counter, r.) Mrs. Duncan! Of all the per- 
sons I want to see, you are the very one. I am buying 
a suit for Jimmy and I want your opinion. You have 
such good taste. 

(Alice conies down l., Bertie stays up c.) 

Mrs. Duncan (coming down l. c). I came to 
look for a suit for Bertie. Where is Jimmy? Isn't 
he with you? He isn't ill, is he? 

Mrs. Goodwin (coming dozvn c. and looking about). 
He's around somewhere. Ill ! Whatever made you 
ask that ? 

Mrs. Duncan. Bertie said he ate so many green 
apples yesterday in school. 

Alice (down l.). Yes, all the children make re- 
marks about the number he eats. They even say that 
the teacher whipped him for it. 

Mrs. Goodwin (dozvn c, coldly). I'm sure I don't 
know how such a story came to be told. Jimmy is a 
good boy, and I know he obeys the rules in school. 
(Calls.) Where are you, Jimmy? (He appears from 
behind the counter, dozvn r.) Why have you been 
hiding? Here is Bertie Duncan. Show him your 
new suit and ask him how he likes it. 

Bertie (comes down r. to Jimmy, laughing). 
Gee! It looks babyish to me. (Feels about for the 
pockets.) There ain't many pockets, are there? I'm 
going to have a blue suit with about twenty pockets in 
it, ain't I, ma? 

Mrs. Duncan (dozvn c, indulgently). Perhaps! 

Iimmy (down R.). Ma! I want a blue suit! If 
Bertie can have one, I don't see why I can't ! . 



22 BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY 

Mrs. Goodwin (to Mrs. Duncan). Don't you 
think blue shows dust and dirt very quickly? It 
doesn't seem at all practical for an every-day suit. 

Mrs. Duncan (quietly). I presume not for most 
boys, but Bertie is so careful with his clothes that I 
can buy any color for him and be sure he will keep 
it neatly. 

(Bertie goes up c. and looks at the pile of boxes.) 

Mrs. Goodwin (crossing r. and hastily removing 
the gray coat from Jimmy). My son is as neat as any 
boy with his clothes. After all, Jimmy, you might look 
at a blue suit. (To Clerk.) Let me see something 
in a blue serge. The gray is entirely too dull for a 
child of his age. 

(Jimmy goes up c. to Bertie.) 

Clerk (sorting over suits wearily). I doubt if we 
have a blue suit in his size. 

Mrs. Goodwin (to Mrs. Duncan). Isn't it pro- 
voking not to be able to get what one wants? I have 
spent the entire afternoon here and have no suit bought 
yet. (Jimmy and Bertie, up c, start to fight. Both 
women start toward scene of disturbance. Alice 
crosses r. to Clerk and talks to him.) Jimmy! 

Mrs. Duncan (up l. c). Bertie! 

Mrs. Goodwin (up r. c). What are you doing? 

(Each woman grabs her son.) 

Jimmy. He knocked me down ! 

Mrs. Goodwin (up r. c). I knew it! Jimmy 
never quarrels with any one. It must have been 
Bertie's fault. 

Mrs. Duncan (up l. c). Bertie! How could 
you ! 

Bertie. Aw! Well! He stuck his old fist under 
mv nose and I pushed it away and then he did it 
again, and said he could lick me with both hands tied 



BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY 23 

behind his back, and then I gave him a Uttle push and 
he hit me and — and then we began to fight. 

Mrs. Goodwin (positively). I never knew Jimmy 
to start a quarrel. 

Mrs. Duncan. Well, however it happened, I'll 
see that Bertie doesn't have a chance to fight again. 
Don't you leave my side again, sir. 

(She goes down h., taking Bertie with her.) 

Mrs. Goodwin. ' And don't you stir till I tell you 
that you may. I can't think what possesses the boy. 
He is usually so well-behaved. (Turns and sees 
Clerk engrossed in talking to Alice. To Clerk.) 
If you are ready to finish waiting on me, I will be glad 
to get that suit bought. 

Clerk. Since we have no blue suit of his size, will 
you take the gray? 

(Alice crosses l. to Mrs. Duncan.) 

Mrs. Goodwin (comes dozvn r., bringing Jimmy 
with her). I suppose so, but it is too bad the child 
can't have w^hat he wants when he has so set his heart 
on the blue. 

Jimmy (dozvn r. c). I won't wear the gray one! 

Mrs. Goodwin (dozvn r., positively). You will 
wear whatever I buy for you! (To Mrs. Duncan.) 
I believe in being firm with children. 

Mrs. Duncan (down l.). It is the only way to 
manage them. 

Mrs. Goodwin. Jimmy knows that when I set my 
foot down, I mean it. By the way, are you going to 
the Sunday-school picnic on the eighteenth? 

Mrs. Duncan. We are planning on it. 

Bertie (dozvn l. c. ). Is Jimmy going? 

Mrs. Goodwin. Of course. He's a regular Sun- 
day-school scholar. Why shouldn't he go? 

Bertie. Last 3^ear the superintendent said he 
should never go to another. 

Mrs. Goodwin (indignantly) , And why not, I 
should like to know. 



24 BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY 

Bertie. He put salt in all the ice-cream, and none 
of us could eat it. 

Jimmy (dozvn r. c, threateningly) . Just you wait! 

Mrs. Goodwin. Such a fuss to make about a 
trifle! All boys are up to those little tricks. Jimmy 
doesn't do it to be mean. He'll get over these capers 
as he gets bigger. 

Mrs. Duncan. That isn't my way of bringing up 
children. (To Clerk.) I'll come in again about the 
suit for my son. It is almost closing time now, and 
you are still occupied. Come, Bertie, and Alice. Let 
us be going. (They move toward door up l.) 

Mrs. Goodwin (as they turn to leave). I've been 
intending to bring Jimmy and spend the afternoon with 
you. Since vacation is only a week off, suppose we 
say the next Tuesday. 

Mrs. Duncan. I have a dressmaker coming on 
Tuesday. (They move on.) 

Mrs. Goodwin (dozvn r., calling after them). 
Thursday will suit me as well. 

Mrs. Duncan (at door up l.). That's another bad 
day. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll telephone you 
when I am going to be home. Good-bye. 

Mrs. Goodwin. Good-bye. (Exeunt, up l., Mrs. 
Duncan, Alice and Bertie.) Mrs. Duncan used to 
be my best friend, but she seems rather cool to-day. I 
don't believe she really wants me to come and see her 
at all. (Jimmy starts whistling.) Do stop that, 
Jimmy. I am nervous enough to fly and that is such 
an abominable tune. Besides, you know you are not 
allowed to whistle in the house. Come and look at 
this gray suit again. Don't you think you would 
like it? 

Jimmy (angrily). No, I don't want a gray suit. 
I want a blue. 

Mrs. Goodwin (resignedly, to Clerk). There's 
no use in taking the suit, since he dislikes it so greatly. 
He wouldn't be satisfied, and I should never hear the 
last of it. If you only had a blue, now, I'm sure I 
could find what he wants. As it is, I think I'd better 
not decide on anything to-day. We'll look at John- 



BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY 25 

son and Brown's, and if they have nothing better, I'll 
come back for the gray suit. Come, Jimmy, it is al- 
most dark, and your poor father waiting at home for 
his supper. 

{Exeunt, up l., Mrs. Goodwin and Jimmy.) 

Clerk. Good-night ! 

{Falls in a mock faint across the counter.) 



CURTAIN 



Unusually Good Entertainments 

Read One or More of These Before Deciding on 
Your Next Program 

GRADUATION DAY AT W^OOD HILI. SCHOOL. 

An Entertainment in Two Acts, by Ward Macauley, For six 
males and four females, with several minor parts. Time of 
playing, two hours. Modern costumes. Simple interior scenes; 
may be presented in a hail without scenery. The unusual com- 
bination of a real "entertainment," including music, recitations, 
', etc., with an interesting love story. The graduation exercises 
' include short speeches, recitations, songs, funny interruptions, 
and a comical speech by a country school trustee. Price, 15 
cents. 

EXAMINATION DAY AT WOOD HILL SCHOOL. 

An Entertainment in One Act, by Ward Macauley. Eight male 
and six female characters, with minor parts. Plays one hour. 
" Scene, an easy interior, or may be given without scenery. Cos- 
tumes, modern. Miss Marks, the teacher, refuses to marry a 
trustee, who threatens to discharge her. The examination in- 
cludes recitations and songs, and brings out many fvinny answers 
to questions. At the close Robert Coleman, an old lover, claims 
the teacher. Very easy and very effective. Price, 15 cents. 

BACK TO THE COUNTRY STORE. A Rural Enter- 
tainment in Three Acts, by Ward Macauley, For four male 
and five female characters, with some supers. Time, two hours. 
Two scenes, both easy interiors. Can be played effectively with- 
out scenery. Costumes, modern. All the principal parts are 
sure hits. Quigley Higginbotham, known as "Quig," a clerk in 
a country store, aspires to be a great author or singer and 
decides to try his fortunes in New York. The last scene is in 
Quig's home. He returns a failure but is offered a partnership 
in the country store. He pops the question in the midst of a 
surprise party given in his honor. Easy to do and very funny. 
Price, 15 cents. 

THE DISTRICT CONVENTION. A Farcical Sketch 
in One Act, by Frank Dumont. For eleven males and one 
female, or twelve males. Any number of other parts or super- 
numeraries may be added. Plays forty-five minutes. No special 
Iscenery is required, and the costumes and properties are all 
feasy. The play shows an uproarious political nominating con- 
vention. The climax comes when a woman's rights cham- 
pion, captures the convention. There is 3. great chance to bur- 
lesque modern politics and to work in local gags. Every 
part will make a hit. Price, 15 cents. 

SI SLOCUM'S COUNTRY STORE. An Entertainment 
in One Act, by Frank Dumont. Eleven male and five female 
characters with supernumeraries. Several parts may be doubled. 
Plays one hour. Interior scene, or may he played without set 
scenery. Costumes, modern. The rehearsal for an entertain- 
ment in the village church gives plenty of opportunity for 
specialty work. A very jolly entertainment of the sort adapted 
to almost any place or occasion. Price, 15 cents. 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA 



Unusually Good Entertainments 

Read One or More of These Before Deciding on 
Your Next Program 

A SURPRISE PARTY AT BRINKLEY'S. An En- 
tertainment in One Scene, by Ward Macauley. Seven male and 
seven female characters. Interior scene, or may be given with- 
out scenery. Costumes, modern. Time, one hour. By the 
author of the popular successes, "Graduation Day at Wood Hill 
School," "Back to the Country Store," etc. The villagers have 
planned a birthday surprise party for Mary Brinkley, recentlyjj 
graduated from college. They all join in jolly games, songs, 
conundrums, etc., and Mary becomes engaged, which surprises 
the surprisers. The entertainm.ent is a sure success. Price, 15 cents, 

JONES VS. JINKS. A Mock Trial in One Act, by 
Edward Mumfokd. Fifteen male and six female characters, with 
supernumeraries if desired. May be played all male. Many of the 
parts (members of the jury, etc.) are small. Scene, a simple 
interior ; may be played without scenery. Costumes, modern. 
Time of playing, one hour. This mock trial has many novel 
features, unusual characters and quick action. Nearly every 
character has a funny entrance and laughable lines. There are 
many rich parts, and fast fun throughout. Price, 15 cents. 

THE SIGHT-SEEING CAR. A Comedy Sketch in One 
A-Ct, by Ernest M. Gould. For seven males, two females, or 
may be all male. Parts may be doubled, with quick changes, so 
that four persons may play the sketch. Time, forty-five minutes. 
Simple street scene. Costumes, modern. The superintendent 
•of a sight-seeing automobile engages two men to run the 
machine. A Jew, a farmer, a fat lady and other humorous 
characters give them all kinds of trouble. This is a regular gat- 
ling-gun stream of rollicking repartee. Price, 15 cents. 

THE CASE OF SMYTHE VS. SMITH. An Original 
Mock Trial in One Act, by Frank Dumont. Eighteen males 
and two females, or may be all male. Plays about one hour. 
Scene, a county courtroom ; requires no scenery ; may be played 
in an ordinary hall. Costumes, modern. This entertainment is 
nearly perfect of its kind, and a sure success. It can be easily 
produced in any place or on any occasion, and provides almost 
iany number of good parts. Price, 15 cents. 

THE OLD MAIDS' ASSOCIATION. A Farcical Enter-( 
tainment in One Act, by Louise Latham Wilson. For thirteen' 
females and one male. The male part may be played by a 
female, and the number of characters increased to twenty or 
more. Time, forty minutes. The play requires neither scenery 
nor properties, and very little in the way of costumes. Can 
easily be prepared in one or two rehearsals. Price, 25 cents. 

BARGAIN DAY AT BLOOMSTEIN'S. A Farcical 
Entertainment in One Act, by Edward Mumford. For five males 
and ten females, with supers. Interior scene. Costumes, mod- 
ern. Time, thirty minutes. The characters and the situations 
which arise from their endeavors to buy and sell make rapid-fire 
fun from start to finish. Price, 15 cents. 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA 



Successful Plays for All Girls 

In Selecting Your Next Play Do Not Overlook This List 

YOUNG DOCTOR DEVINE. A Farce in Two Acts, 
by Mrs. E. J. H. Goodfellow. One of the most popular 
plays for girls. For nine female characters. Time in 
playing, thirty minutes. Scenery, ordinary interior. Mod- 
ern costumes. Girls in a boarding-school, learning that a 
young doctor is coming to vaccinate all the pupils, eagerly con- 
sult each other as to the manner of fascinating the physician. 
When the doctor appears upon the scene the pupils discover that 
the physician is a female practitioner. Price, 15 cents. 

SISTER MASONS. A Burlesque in One Act, by Fr.^xk 
DuMONT. For eleven females. Time, thirty minutes. Costumes, 
fantastic gowns, or dominoes. Scene, interior. A grand expose 
of Masonry. Some women profess to learn the secrets of a 
Masonic lodge by hearing their husbands talk in their sleep, 
and they institute a similar organization. Price, 15 cents. 

A COMMANDING POSITION. A Farcical Enter- 
tainment, by Amelia Sanford. For seven female char- 
acters and ten or more other ladies and children. Time, one 
hour. Costumes, modern. Scenes, easy interiors and one street 
scene. Marian Young gets tired li\ing with her aunt, Miss 
Skinflint. She decides to "attain a commanding position." 
Marian tries hospital nursing, college settlement work and 
school teaching, but decides to go back to housework. Price, 15 
cents. 

HO^ A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET. A Comedy 
in One Act, by Frank Dumont. For ten female characters. 
Time, half an hour. Scene, an easy interior. Costumes, modern. 
Mabel Sweetly has just become engaged to Harold, but it's "the 
deepest kind of a secret." Before announcing it they must win 
the approval of Harold's uncle, now in Europe, or lose a possible 
ten thousand a year. At a tea Mabel meets her dearest friend. 
Maude sees Mabel has a secret, she coaxes and Mabel tells her. 
But Maude lets out the secret in a few minutes to another 
friend and so the secret travels. Price, 15 cents. 

THE OXFORD AFFAIR. A Comedy in Three Acts, 
by Josephine H. Cobb and Jennie E. Paine. For eight female 
characters. Plays one hour and three-quarters. Scenes, inter- 
iors at a seaside hotel. Costumes, modern. The action of the 
play is located at a summer resort. Alice Graham, in order to 
chaperon herself, poses as a widow, and Miss Oxford first claims 
her as a sister-in-law, then denounces her. The onerous duties 
of Miss Oxford, who attempts to serve as chaperon to Miss 
Howe and IMiss Ashton in the face of many obstacles, furnish 
an evening of rare enjoyment. Price 15 cents. 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA 



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A catalogue giving full information as to how any of these 
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THE NATIONAL SCHOOL OF 
ELOCUTION AND ORATORY 

Parkway Building Philadelphia 



